The individual(s) who on July 5 slashed all four tyres of a Renault Duster in Steyn Street, Barrydale, is still at large.
An investigation by Barrydale SAPS has provided no further indication as to who could have committed this heinous act.
The incident took place at around 23:30 while the owner of the vehicle and his partner were in bed.
“I got home after attending the Jack Parow show at the Karoo Art Hotel and my partner and I were in bed when we heard a loud noise outside,” the Renault owner who asked to remain anonymous told News62.
“I ran around the back and discovered what had transpired in the street,” he added.
“We were both very traumatised by this.”
Slasher leaves no clues
According to the duster owner, members of Barrydale’s Neighbourhood Watch were notified shortly after the incident and they were quick to respond.
“I have to take my hat off to Arthur Brigg (BNW chairman) and his team of patrollers. They really go the extra mile to assist the police.”
The following morning Barrydale SAPS were called out too and following further investigations, they were also unable to track down the culprit.
Life-long Barrydaler outraged
Barrydale used to be a quiet village with a very low crime rate, but this has changed in recent times.
Burglaries at both homes and businesses have increased over the last few years.
The tyre slashing incident is, however, a first for the village.
“I’ve been living here my entire life and this is the first time that something like this has happened,” next door neighbour Barend Jones said when he noticed the police that morning.
“People who are capable of doing these things should not be allowed to live in this beautiful place,” he added.
Characteristics of a Tyre Slasher
Studies conducted show the jealousy is usually the motive for this particular crime and a way for the said person to create fear and dominance in a situation.
According to research by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) on Antisocial Personality Disorder. The act can also be related to mental health issues such as impulsivity, aggression, and antisocial personality disorder. These individuals may not have the ability to control their behaviour, or may not fully understand the impact of their actions on others.
Drug Abuse
Another factor that has been linked to tire-slashing is alcohol or drug use. Studies have shown that individuals who engage in vandalism or other forms of criminal behaviour are more likely to have a history of substance abuse. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), alcohol is a factor in up to 80% of violent crimes in the United States, including vandalism.
